Cruise drink packages offer convenience, potential savings and peace of mind, but they are not the right fit for everyone. From unlimited cocktails to soda only bundles, drink packages come in many forms and price points. Understanding how they work and what they include will help you decide if buying one makes sense for your cruise.
Types of Cruise Drink Packages
Cruise lines typically offer several drink package tiers so guests can choose the level that fits their preferences. The most common types include:
- Alcoholic Beverage Packages: These cover beer, wine and cocktails up to a set price per drink. Premium versions may include top-shelf liquor and craft cocktails.
- Non Alcoholic Packages: These usually cover unlimited soda, mocktails, juices and in some cases, bottled water and specialty coffee.
- Coffee and Tea Packages: Ideal for guests who frequent cafés onboard, these packages often include espresso drinks, iced coffee and teas from the ship’s coffee bars.
- Water Packages: Some cruise lines sell bottled water packages separately, which can be useful for excursions or incabin use.
Most packages are sold per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise. Some cruise lines require all adults in a cabin to purchase the same alcohol package, even if only one person plans to drink.
How Pricing Works
Drink package pricing varies by cruise line, itinerary, and ship, but alcoholic packages typically range from $60 to $110 per person, per day before gratuities. Non-alcoholic packages usually fall between $10 and $30 per day. Keep in mind that most cruise lines automatically add a gratuity at the time of purchase, which is usually around 18 to 20 percent. Sales and discounts are often available if you book a package in advance through the cruise line’s website or app. Buying onboard is usually more expensive, so it’s worth comparing prices before your sailing.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Most drink packages cover a wide variety of beverages, but there are always exceptions. For alcohol packages, drinks above a certain dollar limit may not be fully covered, though you may be able to pay the difference. Some packages include drinks at specialty restaurants, the main dining room and private destinations owned by the cruise line, while others may not. Room service beverages and minibar items are often excluded. Some cruise lines also place a daily limit on alcoholic drinks, usually around 15 per day, to encourage responsible use. Non alcoholic drinks may be unlimited. Always check the fine print to understand what venues, beverages and usage limits apply to your specific package.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Drink Package
Pros:
- Saves money if you drink regularly throughout the day
- Adds convenience and simplicity. No need to worry about the bill
- Makes it easier to try different drinks without overthinking the cost
- Often includes specialty coffee, bottled water and mocktails
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for light drinkers
- Requires daily use to break even
- Often must be purchased for the entire cruise, even if you skip port days
- May not be worthwhile if your itinerary includes many long days ashore
Tips to Maximize Value
If you are considering a drink package, calculate how many drinks you typically consume per day and compare that with the package cost. Don’t forget to factor in coffee, soda, bottled water and mocktails if they are included. Take advantage of pre cruise sales to lock in lower prices, and remember that some cruise lines include drink packages as part of special booking promotions. Lastly, be aware of drink limits and responsible use policies, as cruise staff can suspend privileges for abuse.
Final Thoughts
Cruise drink packages can offer excellent value for the right traveler. If you plan to enjoy multiple beverages each day, such as wine with dinner, tropical cocktails by the pool or morning lattes, a package may pay for itself quickly. But if you are a light drinker or plan to spend most of your time ashore, it may be smarter to pay as you go. Understanding what’s included and doing a little math ahead of time will help you sip smarter and cruise with confidence.
